Waiting for tests and results

Welcone.

My husband knew. I told only my closest sister of the probable diagnosis as at the time there were other big things happening in my family (a funeral 2 days before Xmas)  and I felt best to wait until I had seen the specialist and had a plan before telling all my family. My 2 sons at home were told obce I had biopsy confirmation  as I needed to travel away for my appointment. It was hard pretending to be positive when really I was absolutely terrified and devastated about the diagnosis.

I coped by planning stuff once I sort of knew the plan.

I chose a bilateral mastectomy so I had a farewell boobie party.

I set up a initally facebook messanger groups so I could update volumes of appropriate people. ..family groups, close friends etc. They were invaluable as my intial support people as there was always somebody awake when I needed to talk.

I went and bought some pj's for hospital and appropriate toiletries for frequent travel. (My surgeon was 500k away)

I knew I was having chemo (due to pathology ) so I bought some inexpensive scarves (Kmart) and researched wigs and had a look at some.

I wear little makeup so bought some as I wanted to look well even on chemo and I googled chemo makeup guide. 

I swim...so I researched and purchased mastectomy bathers and a fabric swim cap knowing I'd be bald for a bit.

I attended a dentist to have a good check up and clean prior having any treatment started knowing dental care was very important.

I bought a diary to keep track of appointments, Dr names and nurse contacts etc. Plus a file to keep all the huge quantity of paperwork you accumulate. (But the my care kit helps with some of this )

All these things kept me distracted. It didn't help me sleep, it didn't stop my tears and I ended up stopping work as I was a blubbering mess most days. But I got through...and so will you.

You are stronger than you realise and we are here to listen and support as needed. Kath x